Teacher Guide

Watership Down Lesson Plan

Introduction to Watership Down

According to to the book's introduction, Watership Down began as a story the author told to his daughters on a long car trip. Richard Adams eventually set it to paper and began seeking publication. Initially, Adams had difficulty finding a publisher, as many felt the book was too advanced for young readers and no older reader would be able to take a book about rabbits seriously. Yet Watership Down's first small printing in 1972 was a surprise success. The novel has since become a classic of english literature and a favorite of classroom teachers. It was even the subject of a notoriously disturbing animated film adaptation, as well as a children’s television series.